Last years resolutions....This years too

My 2009 resolutions....
Have a cleaner car. (Jenn, didn't you say you had something that would help me get the chocolate milk off the roof upholstery?)
(well I just bought a new one with more room for the junk)

Have a great 30th birthday and achieve my goal by then
Run the half marathon in SF.
(my birthday was ok, and Ididn't get the 1/2 marathon due to being preggers, guess thats next year)
Think about a new job...
(I thought about it, but then decided for the time my job is good for my life and kids)
Take the kids to Disneyland.
(next year:)
Finish painting and repainting my house.
(ha ha ha ha ha so much for that)
Finish my kids bathroom (Leslie this is your job to keep me on my toes for this)
(failed)
Repay off all the credit cards we have used for home improvement stuff.
(yup, but then I used them for Christmas:)
When those are done, try to talk Tim into a new car.
(checked off)
Start saving every month.
(uh....having a baby and not working during that time can affect this:)
Pray more and worry less.
(Yup)



2010 Resolutions.
Finish the Kids bathroom.
Disneyland (after my bros wedding)
Get back into running, 1/2 marathon.
Lose the baby weight, plus more.
Be a friend to all, be it bird or fish or tiny mole! Or anyone:)
Start saving.
Keep my Mom's memory close for myself and my family.
Drink more wine , cause it's good for you.
Keep the house clean! HAHAHA! With 3 kids....
Have Molly sleep through the night.
Plant more flowers.

Molly Grace

for those of you with out Facebook....

Labor day or Halloween?

An update on me...
For those of you who haven't heard....
Last night I was having contractions pretty much all night but nothing real, they were waking me up while sleeping, or I was dreaming about them (which I think were real ones just not too strong) When Tim left for work at 3:30 am I joked that I would be calling him in a little bit. After he left, they got stronger and more consistent. I called him around 6 and we went to the hospital around 7:30am. Once there I had a contraction in the elevator, and then not a single one once they put me on the monitor (shy Molly). The nurse had me walk around for about 20 minutes and I had 3 more, yet they weren't as strong. She put me back on the monitor for about 20 minutes and I only had one:(
I got sent home, which made me happy cause I can take the kids trick-or-treating:)
As it stands now, I have had them consistently all day, but they are about 10-12 minutes apart. The nurse said to come back at about 7 min apart. She seamed to think that this was early labor and I would be back later today or early tomorrow.
So we are going out to trick-or -treat about 4pm. and we are going to Tims moms neighborhood which is close to the hospital so that if we have to leave we can....
To be continued.....

Things Madden does to your husband...

He gets no sleep the night before in anticipation of getting the game.
He warns me that I should go to the movies after work, as the TV and him are otherwise occupied.
He asks the cat (whos asleep in the couch) if she has a problem. Over and over....
He hasn't brushed his hair all day.
He asked me to hold his controller while putting Jason in his carseat, but wouldn't shut the car door until I gave it back.
Two days ago the Fedex driver delivered to the neighbors, He went out to make sure that it wasn't his game that got delivered.
Yesterday he tracked the package on Fedex site so much that I thought it was going to pop up and say, "just be patient dang it"

I can't keep up

Although the blog Olympics are fun, I can't keep up, so I guess I am withdrawing from them:) Some of us have to work.:)

two bumps in two days.

Poor Jason's head. Yesterday he "fell" (aka got pushed , by his lovely sister) off the diving board on to the concrete. Then just a few minutes ago ran right into the corner of the kitchen cupboards. In almost the same spot! While yesterdays I' m sure hurt worse, today's, looks worse.....:(
(37pts)

Things I learned this morning watching Mickey

That Daisy can climb a wall in pumps.
For some reason Daisy is the driver of the Mickey car.
That you can slow down Pete with bubbles
That Pete is a cat. Did anyone else know that? Crazy!
And because he is a cat he can be slowed with a ball of string.
To do the hot dog dance you swing your hips and snap you fingers ( I never knew there was a special way until the told us today)
To clean stinky shoes you need one bar of soap and one bottle of perfume, and of course the stinky shoes.

Thats all.

(31pts)

Home improvments...

Tim and I made a list of home improvements that we would like to to do, hopefully before the baby is here. We are actually getting somewhere on it. I have the living room half painted. We are still deciding if Tim likes the color or not.

We got the paint for the outside of our house, as well as lined up the supplies to do it with. Thanks to a friend of Tim's who's girlfriend works for a paint company, we got 20 gallons of free paint. We are waiting on a stucco guy to come do some work before we throw the paint on.

We also ordered new windows to replace the last 4 single pane metal ones that were left. I am kind of bummed that the new windows won't have that swing out character that our current ones add. But the new ones will be much more energy efficient.

Yesterday I mentioned to Tim that I had picked out the new ceiling fan I wanted to get for Kara's room since hers quit working about 8 months ago. So he called Greg (his step dad and electrician) and asked when he would have time to put it up. He said he would be over in an hour. So I had to run to the store right then to get it.

Just a few items to check off the list of to be done.

(20pts)

is this fair?

Joel and Leslie share a account and so do Mike and Jamie. So when comments say Joel and Leslie or Littau Family can the both count them as points?
(13pts)

#1

I can't believe no one has posted yet for the blog Olympics, so here I am to kick it off. It's going to be hot today! And I am going swimming! Yup thats all.

Kara's picture!

Kara drew a picture of her family. From left to right, Daddy, Kara, Jason, Mommy and Mommy is holding her new baby sister.

Skateboards

Kara wants to get everyone skate boards.
Here's what she wants to get everyone....
Kara gets a princess skateboard.
Jason gets a Mickey skateboard.
Daddy gets a Giants skateboard.
And Mommy gets a Mommy skateboard.(I guess Mommy has no other interests but being a Mommy)

The best daddy...

So today after church, I say to Kara, "hurry get in your seat we have to go get daddys father's day present, because he is the best daddy in the world."
Kara says, "Mommy he's not the best daddy in the world." (long pause, I get kind of worried.) "hes the best daddy in the universe".
Sounds good!

The fair

Yesterday afternoon we headed out to the fair, of course it was the hottest day of the month so far. So after we got there we went to go on some rides and it was just to hot to stand in the sun. So off to the buildings we went so Kara could collect her backpack full of free stuff from the CHP and other booths. After that we went and listened to some music on one of the stages and Kara got some good dance moves in. People were laughing and watching her, Jason joined her for one song too.
By then it was time to hit the Ferris wheel. Kara had been talking about wanting to ride the Ferris wheel. So she and Tim went up and around. I'm not sure if Tim was as big of a fan as she was. Then Kara spotted the goldfish game. So I gave her $1 and she got 5 balls to throw. The 5th one was the winner! So we now have "dory" to go with "nemo" from last fair's fish. (although Nemo is the replacement from the fish that died after we brought him home last year, but don't tell Kara)
Back to the kids area we went, where we meet up with Grandma and Papa, and the kids got to ride some more rides. Tim was taking Jason on a roller coaster so I took her to the fun house, the funny thing is she stands by the measuring thing for every ride and waits to see if she is big enough. So she goes in the fun house, and comes out, some of the kids she was just in there with were going back in so I said yes she could go too. She had to stand and measure up again, though. This went on like 8 or 9 times, each time she would measure up and wait to be told she could go in, until the last one she said, "I'm big enough" and just walked in. The lady working thought she was the funniest thing.
Then it was off to ride the motorcycles. At the end of the ride, one little boy yells, "I'm the winner". Kara yells "no she's the winner" and points to the girl in front of her. Then the boy yells something back, Kara gets off her motorcycle and proceeds to go over and tell him how he didn't win. So funny!
We topped off the whole day with fair food, yum!

if, ands & buts...

Ahh...
It's been a long week. We had our sonogram last Thursday and found out the baby is a girl, and the lady said "you won't be coming to me telling me I was wrong", which gave me confidence that we won't have one of those oops,it's a boy moments at the hospital. Now for names.....tricky....suggestions will be taken. I like Madden Elizabeth or just Elizabeth or Paige....Tim likes none of the above....:)

After much thought we decided to give away our puppy, but she went to a great home where she will roam 6 acres of land and go on hikes everyday to a creek. Makes it easier to let her go.

I am excited to get back to a normal routine, I feel like things have been crazy busy lately but maybe they will slow down? Not likely.....

Tim and I made a todo list for our house. We are getting ready to paint inside the house this week and hopefully prepare to paint the outside. After that maybe stain the concreate out front, put up a new fence, get Jason into a big bed, move the crib to the baby's room, maybe put in new flooring, get new windows for the 3 single pane ones left..... oh did I start rambling?

I have been missing my favortie shows, so I have gotten hooked on the "little couple" and "18 kids and counting" and of course "Jon&kate", but that's starting to make me sad.

ok that all my ramblings for the night, I need to get some sleep .....
I am going to post some pictures from my mini vacation soon.....

100th post, Survey says, a four year old, commands and Many & little one.

Wow this is my 100th post!

Jessica and I were discussing the Chinese baby prediction calender. She said that it predicts this baby will be a boy. She also said that it is almost always right. So I looked up both my kids and the calender was wrong on both! She said that it puts me in a 10% range where it was wrong. So if you get time look at the chart and let me know if yours were right or wrong.
Both the age and the month are at the time of conception.
http://parenting.ivillage.com/ttc/ttcsigns/0,,j736,00.html

Kara just celebrated her 4th birthday last Monday. She did it up right with friends, swimming, a pinata and a Tinkerbell cake. She also received a huge dollhouse. Which has become her favorite toy.

Jason is begun to talk more, but has also become very opinionated, voicing his dis concern for nap time and bedtime and telling you what he wants! Milk! More! Ball! are all said as commands and not requests.

Kara as two new favorite words/sayings....first
"Many" everything is many. I have many friends, presents, or toys.
The second has become Jason's new nickname...
"Little one" Tim and I say that she sounds native American when she says. "here little one have many toys"....

Where does she get this stuff?

Tonight on the way home from dinner and ice cream we are driving in the car and Kara says "Mommy I love you"..."that's just my heart talking"

She is the best!

major breakthrough....

this just in.... Tim opened the door, and Dora ran crazily through the house. Jack and Bella just watched, no crying! Jenn there is hope!

odds and ends...

Right now I am watching the amazing race and they are getting painful foot massages. I want a foot massage but that looks a little harsh.

Friday I took the kids to target with me while I was getting supplies for a baby shower I was throwing. Kara got out of the car carrying her (which is really Jason's) Mickey Mouse toy. I didn't feel like trying to talk her out of bringing it in so I allowed it. We did all of our shopping and when we were in the checkout line I realized that Mickey was missing. So back through the store we trekked looking for him, yet he was no where to be found. Kara was so upset that I asked the girl at the service desk if they would call us if he turned up. Yes she said. (now here's the cute part of the story) So Kara miss upset, said "he has big black round ears, and red on and yellow shoes...." I said "Kara I think she knows what Mickey looks like":). (Mickey was found and we returned for him about an hour later)

I think that I blog about the biggest loser too much as, I received a comment on my "windy Wednesday" post, where someone thought I was the Kristin from the biggest loser.

Today we took the kids to the new yogurt shop 'you top it' by blockbuster. It was awesome , you fill up your own cup with yogurt and all the toppings you want, and at the end you just pay by the ounce. And they even have kids cups where they can get whatever they want for $1.99. So Kara had like 6 toppings on her yogurt.

Do not read if you haven't watched the Biggest Loser yet

I hate Ron! Can you say "hey Kristin, I got your back......... with this knife!" GRRR!!!!!!

Getting the upper hand.....

I am finally about to over take the laundry again. I have been really slacking on it for the past 5 or so weeks, as laying on the coach sounded so much better. But one day I realized that 2 very full laundry baskets plus clothes piling up on the floor as well as the kids laundry growing was going to soon take over the house. I was almost the Sara Sylvia Cynthia Stout of laundry. So I have been putting an extra effort in to get through it... Now if I can get 3 loads done tomorrow I may just finally win!
Then I have to put it all away.....

Windy Wednesday.

Yesterday, we made the trip to Sacramento to see George and Shawna's baby, Makayla. She was so little, in case you don't know she was born 14 weeks early and weighed 1lb 7oz. Yesterday she weighed a heft 2lbs even. It was neat to be there to see how they take care of her, and Shawna explained all the stats to me on her moniter, and they were all good, close to those of a full term baby. It was just crazy to see how tiny she was.

Right now Jack is wearing Kara's shoes and walking around the house, and Kara and Bella are playing candyland, with no rules. Jason is throwing around a diaper. I got them under control!

A cute Kara story. A couple weeks ago, the kids and Grandma and I went to Khols, Kara wanted to bring her blanket in, Grandma said no, but I said yes, thinking that she would sit in the stroller and be good. Kara looks at Grandma and goes, "ha ha Grandma you lose!"

I just got done watching last nights biggest loser, so stop reading if you haven't watched it yet. I think I cried like 4 times. What a great episode. I felt so bad for Mike's brother Max he was so sad seeing his dad and brothers transformations. I think they should put him on next season. That is if he turns 18 by then. Right now Mike and Kristin are my favorites. I like Tara but she is way to crazy in the game. The best final four would be Mike, Kristin, Filipe and Tara. I felt bad for Laura as she wanted to stay in the game but her hip fracture just put her out of the game.

Easter Sunday.

Ah what a nice day we had. Such great weather, Kara was able to wear her Easter dress without a sweater or tights.
Our Easter began yesterday with the egg drop. Fun, yet crazy! Kara was just happy to get a few pieces of candy, and she was able to see friends. Meet the Easter bunny and pet real live bunnies.
This morning, we woke up to find baskets of goodies with chocolate bunnies, squirt guns and watering cans for outside. The Easter bunny also brought Kara a set of Snow white figurines that included all the dwarfs, the prince, the queen and of course snow white. Small dolls are Kara favorite things to play with right now so that worked out. Jason also got a magna doodle. He has been loving drawing and coloring lately. I don't remember Kara liking to color until she was almost 3, so its neat to see Jason color.
After pancakes, it was off to church which was awesome. Since we has so many volunteers from the Fair Oaks church, I got to go to the service instead of being in nursery. Which was nice because I was kind of bummed to miss the Easter service. After church we picked up Grandma and headed to an egg hunt at Gold Hills Golf course. Where we were supposed to see Papa but, he was a few holes away and we missed him. Then we had lunch and came home for naps.
After nap, we went to Safeway and got some steaks for BBQing. And strawberries and ice cream yum!(and ran into Jes!) We had my Mom and Dad over for dinner and then watched the kids play in the sprinklers.
Now its almost bedtime and I am tired!

Blogging.....

Just 6 posts away from 100!
I haven't blogged anything worthy of reading for a long time, maybe today will be the day. Maybe not.
I have been busy lately, but today the kids didn't seam to be feeling 100% so we stayed home from the gym and hung out around the house all morning, except for a trip to Winco... It was nice to not rush out the door and then get back home just in time for lunch and naps. A nice change.
Jason has learned how to climb out of his crib, but he knows he isn't supposed to do it so most of the time he stays in.
Kara is into surprises, everyday she wants to know if I am going to take her to a surprise after nap. It could be a trip to the coffee shop for a chocolate milk or going to the park. Its all the same, as long as it is a surprise to look forward to.
Dora the puppy is getting bigger and a little less aggressive with the kids, she is learning to not jump up on them , and Kara is learning to feed her everyday and give her water. This is all practice for the new baby, so Kara can get up with him/her in the middle of the night:)

Just an idea...

The should get Kleenex to sponsor the elimination room on the biggest loser.

There are always convenient adds on the show why not? Extra, Jello, Cool whip, that protein drink, ziplock.....ect....

Don't you love kids...

So the other night we go to my Sister in laws house. My niece says, "hey aunt Kristen are you having another baby?" "yup" I say "did you mom tell you that?". Just wait till you hear her answer.....
"no I just noticed that you were getting fatter!"

In case you hadn't heard.....

Baby Gurley coming this fall!

Kara loves Jason!

Yesterday after church I didn' feel like making lunch so we stopped by Puerto Vallrata for their kids eat for .99 cents deal. (and happened to see many familiar faces) But while we were sitting there waiting for our food, Kara started praying. I couldn't hear what she said so I asked her. It was so cute. She said "I just asked Jesus to be in Jasons heart too, because I love him" I have found that Kara has such a fondness for her brother. This morning we baked our bread that Kara made at kids church. Then I sliced it up and she shared with me and Jason. When we were done there was some left and kara got out two ziplock baggies to save the leftovers for her and Jason. Then she packed them in her pack-pack to take to the gym. But I thought it was so sweet that she wanted to save a piece for him.

Skating....

Today I took Kara roller skating for the first time. Wow talk about walking into a time capsule. It hasn't changed in the past 20 years since I went there as a kid. Including the prices. Kids skate for $3! Parents just $1!. So sweet!. Anyway. I strapped on Kara's skates and off we went. She did pretty well on the carpet, but once we hit the rink it was so much more slick she had a harder time. But we did make progress and make it around the rink then took a break and made a couple more loops. I did wish that I had worn steel toe boots because my feet may have been a little banged up due to skates hitting them. By the time we were done Kara was tired, and me too. But it was fun!

My life as a movie in Itunes

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
7. No cheating and doctoring your list to make yourself look cooler than the person you took this from

this sounds like fun...

Opening Credits:
Brad Paisley "ain't nothin like"

First Day At School:
Garth Brooks "the river"

Breaking Up:
Ashlee Simpson "La La"

Prom:
Sublime "Summertime"

Sex scene:
CCR "good golly miss molly"

Life's Ok:
No doubt "I'm just a girl"

Mental:
Dirty Dancing Soundtrack "I've had the time of my life"

Flashback:
Blake Shelton "the Baby"

Getting Back Together:
Lonestar "I'm already there"

Wedding Scene:
Gretchen Wilson "when I think about cheating" (seriously? whatever!)

Birth of Child:
Faith Hill "Mississippi girl"

Falling In Love:
Jessica Simpson " I think I am in love with you"

Final Battle:
Kenny Chesney "woman with you"

Death Scene:
The beatles "Rocky Raccoon"

Funeral Scene:
The Beatles "let it be"

End Credits:
Jessica Simpson " I don't want to care"

Over exaggerated?

Did anyone else think that the Bob and the former blue teams exaggeration last night about switching trainers was a little much? Jeez it's not like some on died!
I must admit I was quite mad because they changed the time of the show and my dvr didn't record it! It recorded an hour of who wants to be a millionaire. But lucky for me my awesome husband downloaded it onto his playstation for me! It was even better with out commercials!

Scavenger hunting

So last night we went on a scavenger hunt. The list included getting pictures on the sundial bridge, in the mall and with a police officer and in a firetruck. I am happy to say that my team got them all! Just barely. Poor Jen was stuck with all the "rule followers" but at least we let our "rebel" get in the police car.

To prevent a heartattack....

I am warning you all that I am coming to woman's group tonight....
Can someone tell me where Jamie' s house is? I know the area that the subdivision is in but not which street.....

I'm bored why not....

1. Vacuuming – Run it through the house hitting the heavy-track areas; or, move most of your furniture to get as much carpet as possible? (get the heavy traffic area. I mostly sweep though do to the wood floors. I only move the coach to sweep under like once a week.)

2. Milk – Use well past the date on the carton, until it smells funny; or throw it out the day after the date on the carton? (between Tim and Jason this is not an issue. We go through 4-5 gallons a week.)

3. Childhood – What do you do as an adult that you weren't allowed as a child? (leave my stuff everywhere!)

4. Toilet Paper – Roll the paper over the top, or roll it under? (to me it doesnt matter. but I know so many people who have to have it the other way I put it over the top...)

5. Bed-Making – It's made every morning, occasionally, or not at all? (make a bed? maybe if company is coming.)

6. Most Hated Household Chore – Cleaning bathrooms; doing laundry; or dusting/vacuuming? (laundry never ends!).

7. Favorite Type of Vacation – Each day planned out with reservations; or, hit the road and go wherever you end up? (not planned. If we know where we are going I like to make reservations because they are generally cheaper on line but otherwise...)

8. Butter – Stored in the fridge, or in the pantry? (fidge....I don't have a pantry....I buy the spreadable butter for things like bagels)

9. Bathing – Shower or bath; and once or twice daily? (once normally.)

10. Handling Life's Curveballs – When life hands you a big lemon, which way do you tend to handle it: get upset then make lemonade out of the lemons; or smile and make lemon creme pie and figure you may as well enjoy the lemons you were handed? (be upset then try to see the bright side!)

Looooooooooong day

Ahhh....I hate to be stuck at home. But when you have a sick little girl that's what happens.....here is my day....
7:02am Jason starts crying/ talking....I hope that he goes back to sleep....
7:13am I decide that I should go see if I can give Jason his binkie and he will go back to sleep.
7:14am walk into Jason's room and realize that the stink is why he won't go back to sleep. so I start my day before my coffee, changing a stinky diaper.
7:22am Weigh in on my new scale. turn on computer to post weight. Mike is slacking....go to facebook instead.
7:30am Kara wakes up.
7:32am we let in Dora. Jason cries because she is so excited that she tries to give him too many kisses.
7:42am began toasting bagels.
7:50am everyone has a bagel with butter.
7:54am check blog again still no post.
8:06am check again. oh it there...post weight. Wonder if the prime rib helped Josh get to first place
8:10 am rescue Jason from Dora again.
8:20 turn on music, do dishes, and laundry, balance checkbook. pay car insureance online.
8:59 realize that I want to get ready for the gym. get Jason dressed. Get Kara to put her clothes on. Put on shoes and jackets. Change from jamies to gym clothes.
9:15am Kids are in the car. and we are off.
9:18am stop at the bank
9:20am drive by "Mommas work"
9:25am drive over the bridge and Jason goes "bagels" at manhattan bagel.
9:34am arrive in the gym in the daycare area. Talk to Leslie (daycare lady) about her new hairdo. Say hi to Emily and Ally. Realize that Jason's snack has peanut butter in it. Warn Leslie as I know about Allys allergy. We put it away.
9:38 am on the treadmill fix sock...run 1.5 miles while waiting for Zumba.
9:55am talk to Mike and tell him to remind Jamie to come to Zumba someday.
10:00am in zumba room. fun fun fun!
11:05 zumba over. and I am tired.
11:10 am picking up kids Jason has a nasty diaper ....someone says stomach flu is going around....I groan....
11:25am drive home. when arriving make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by request for lunch. cook mahi mahi for me with steamed green beans yum!
11:55 lay down jason for nap
12:30 lay kara down for nap...
12:36 post on face book that its naptime ahhh quiet...
12:42 Kara calls me to her room....doesn't feel good and pukes on 5 blankets her hair her new valintine bear and my leg! it smells like pbjs...
12:50 Have Kara in the shower, her bed has been striped.
12:55 allow Kara to lay on the coach and watch cartoons. (towel underneath her head)
1:45 Kara asks about the surprise I promised her.I agree and get out the beads that I got so she could make necklaces.
2:10pm. Kara takes a break from making necklaces to puke. at this point I teach her the importance of puking in the toliet.
2:47 Jason wakes up....Kara pukes again
3:02 Kara finishes her necklace.
3:24pm we are laying on the coach watching the doctors. kids are hiding from Dora. Dora exits the room Jason looks both ways, gets off the coach runs to in front of the tv to find 2 lone fruit snacks. books it back to me before the dog gets him.....I laugh.
3:27pm Kara has to go potty, starts off the coach with the puppy nipping at her heals, turns and yells a monstery scream, dora backs off... I laugh again.


ok I am to tired to finish.....

Why I love Khols....

Because today they have their clearance an extra 25% off. I got a frog rug for the kid's bathroom, princess light up boots for Kara, capris for me, sweats for Jason, 2 coffee mugs, a swimsuit top, and a brand new pair of running shoes all for $33!

Kids, Kids, Kids and one more kid....and a puppy too!

Today was my first day of watching Bella and Jackson while their mom was at work. Bella and Kara were inseparable. Jason and Jackson needed to be separated. The boys wanted to play with the same toys at the same time so that was a bit of a challenge. But I figured out the key to happy kids....Snack bags!
Then it was play play play! After a while it was lunch time where Mac and Cheese was on the menu. I was so impressed with Jackson eating as he managed to not make a mess at all. So impressive that I had to take a picture.
Jason after Mac and Cheese. (notice it on his clothes and face, it was even in his hair.)
Jackson after Mac and Cheese.


Meet Dora our new puppy. Kara and Jason love her! Guess who named her Dora the Explorer?

Did anyone else?

Did anyone else see that Lawrence Taylor is going to be on dancing with the stars? Holy macaroni! Tim will be watching it with me. And Shawn Johnson I love her!

oh yeah and ....

Did anyone else freak out when Joel was on the top of the ladder today, talking about risk, and hope that he didn't fall. And simultaneously hope that Cody could really catch him.

oh yeah and.....

Can someone explain Jed's blog to me? All I got was that it was about Jenn, again....

being random

Tim and I leave for Reno Tuesday morning! We got the spa suite! We made our reservations last month. Then the price went down so we got a better price. Then last week we got a better price. Now we are at about half the original price. Pretty soon they are going to pay us to stay there.

So I am thinking of writing a book. Unfortunately right now I only have two ideas for plots.
1. Vampires werewolves and Teenagers. oops that's already taken.
2. A story of a pastor and his wife who go on vacation...darn....
I am going to have to give this more thought.

I need a book to read. Any ideas? Seams like everyone is reading "the Shack" maybe I will read that. Oh and I think there is a new Nicolas Sparks book....

We just got our taxes done! I love our tax guy. If anyone needs a quick reliable and pretty cheap tax guy let me know and I will give you his number. He always get me more back than I figured. Did you know you can write off car registration. and miles to kids doctors appointments?

I just scored 90 points in a scrabble game with the word "knowing".

I am only winning Heather and I's running challenge by a little over a mile! She could pass me tomorrow! AGH! I hate losing! I guess this means zumba and a 6 mile run:) Or maybe I will wear it to work.

I took Kara to hotel for dogs the other night. That was a good movie. I was expecting to be bored out of my mind, but I wasn't. Taken was a great movie too!

Jason was so jealous of me holding baby Kaitlyn in the nursery he tried to lay across my lap and hers to prove that I belonged to him. Then he tried to kiss her. Silly boy.

Kara was trying to entertain my Grandma, Mom and me today. She was wearing her Cinderella dress with glass slippers flower crown and had the microphone. She sang we wish you a merry Christmas. When she tried to change songs for Twinkle twinkle little star. She had the other tune still stuck in her head so it came out. "twinkle twinkle we wish you a merry..." then she would stop and try again it took her about 3 times to get it right.

What Joel and Leslie REALLY did on their vacation.....

Well we all know that it began with 7 trips back into the house for kisses with Zack. The kid was so ready for them to leave by then so that he could play with his toys that he actually threw one at them on their last attempt for a kiss.
Then they began driving toward their destination and low and behold they had to turn around to go back and make sure that all the doors were locked on the house.
Finally on their way, Joel was pulled over for speeding. After talking to the cop (also a hurting packers fan) they were able to get away with no ticket.
Arriving at the Genesee home they began to unload the car an realized that they left the bag with their toiletries including deodorant and toothbrushes at home. Figuring that they would take a ride to the nearest wal greens to pick up supplies they laughed it off. Checked into their room and thought of what to do next. Begin exploring. They went for a walk down one of the peaceful trails and were thoroughly enjoying each others company, when a mouse crossed their path. Leslie jumped into Joel's arms and refused to get down. Joel finally convinced her to get down and as soon as she did a snake came slithering by chasing the mouse. AGH! Back to the house they headed.
By now it was almost dinner time and they gathered around the table to have dinner with the hosts and other couples. Joel attempted to talk to another pastor about football unfortunately the other pastor said he was glad that Kurt Warner and the rams were in the super bowl. Joel stopped listening. Leslie struck up conversation about babies and pretty soon was comparing baby poop stories with other moms. After dinner all the guests began to play charades. Joel acted out being a cheese head and some guy from the office. No one guessed what he was so they finally told him his turn was over. Tired after a long day they headed off to bed. They had forgotten to go to the store so skipped brushing their teeth.
Day 2 began with the sun rising and a rooster crowing at 6:30 am which didn't help with Joel's plan to sleep in. That's ok he said. "Lets go fishing today!" Joel and Leslie went down and had breakfast with all the others. During breakfast Leslie and Joel devised a plan of bringing a lunch to the pond and catching fresh fish. After they had eaten the host couple helped get them supplies and show them the way to the pond. They headed down the trail. Leslie watching wearily for mice, and snakes, and Joel ready to drop all his stuff and catch her if need be. Arriving at the pond it was a glorious morning. They set down their tackle boxes and picnic lunch. Leslie grabbed a book that she was planning on reading and settled under a tree. Joel loaded up his pole and got ready to cast. The first one just went a few feet out so he reeled it back in. He then gave it a big sling and heard a yell behind him. Figuring that Leslie had just seen another animal, he concentrated on his line and trying to see how far it had gone into the pond. Hearing another yell from Leslie forced him to turn around. She had the fishhook stuck in her nose. (when you see her pretend like she got her nose pierced on purpose). Leslie was done with the fishing seen and headed back bravely by her self to fix up her nose and take a nap. Something you can't do to much as a mom. Joel continued to fish. He caught a tree limb, his lunch box and a fish the size of a candy bar (regular size not king). Proud of his catch, but with no where to keep it he threw it back in. Early afternoon came and he headed up to check on his bride. Leslie was snoring peacefully with Zack's baby blanket snuggled in her arms. Joel sat in a chair by the window and began to read. Unfortunately he fell asleep, and awoke with a horrible Crick in his neck that made him wish that Jed was there. Late afternoon came and the both awoke and decide to take a ride to town to get their needed toiletries. They found a local drug store and picked up all their supplies. Arriving at the counter Leslie waited for Joel to pay and Joel waited for Leslie to pay. Each thinking that the other had brought the envelope of money for "general supplies". When they discovered neither had it, the pulled out their visa card the next best thing right? Unfortunately the store did not accept visa. Only MasterCard. They headed back with out a single purchase as all the other stores were closed. Returning just in time for dinner they told the story of their trip to town, and the host couple said that they should have said something because they had extra supplies, and that they would get them for them after dinner. Thankful that they could brush their teeth that night they began eating the spaghetti and garlic bread. (With extra garlic). After dinner, all the couples retired to the sitting room and began telling stories and laughing. After one particular funny joke Leslie couldn't take the non- teeth brushed thing anymore and reminded the couple of their promise. Leslie followed the wife down to a storage closet. Once their it was discovered that all the toothbrushes were gone. And the toothpaste too! She was able to score one old spice deodorant to share with Joel and one bottle of pert plus shampoo. She headed up to take a shower and wash her hair. Looking around the room she tried to think of something that she could use to brush her teeth. The thought occurred quickly that she maybe able to sneak into someone else's rooms for a little toothpaste(to use on her finger), as everyone was down stairs telling stories. She snuck into the room across the hall, the one that the nice pastor and his wife from Oregon were sharing. As she was putting a little bit of toothpaste on her finger and about to leave the room, the light suddenly switched on startling her. Luckily it was just Joel, he had seen her tiptoeing across the hall. What a great idea he said, let me have some toothpaste too. Leslie put some toothpaste on Joel's finger and they were about to exit and go back to their room when they heard a noise in the hall. It's the couple who were staying in the room they were in. Thinking fast Joel grabbed Leslie and pretended that she wondered into the wrong room. The couple who's room it was had their backs to them but turned around startled at the noise behind them. (Joel and Leslie could have snuck out with out being seen.) Joel quickly explained that Leslie got lost on her way back from the bathroom and he had seen her go in the wrong room. Joel pulled Leslie into their room and shut the door. Both fell down laughing on the bed and knocked off a lamp onto the floor. It broke. (Bet that's how Mike broke his.) The other couple shrugged their shoulders but wondered how Leslie got lost on the way to her room when the bathroom was inside of the bed rooms, but chalked it up to them being Californians. The broken lamp and the close encounter had Leslie and Joel laughing so hard that they began crying. And then they wiped their eyes. Both forgetting that they had toothpaste on their fingers. Which was now in their eyes. Stinging and burning they flushed them out in the sink, but no longer had toothpaste. Ahh, they decided time for bed. First thing in the morning a trip to the store. Across the hall the Oregon couple wondered how their toothpaste ended up on the floor and with out the cap on. But shrugged their shoulders and got out a fresh tube.
Day 3. Began like day 2, rooster crowing at 6:30 am. Joel put a pillow over his head and went back to sleep, for five minutes. Until Leslie made him get up. She wanted to get breakfast and go to town. So down the went. Trying to not talk to closely to others as to contain the morning breath. The ate breakfast and drank some coffee. They also encouraged the host couple to stay out of their room, until they got back from the store with some super glue for the lamp.
In their car they hopped and off to the store. Making sure that they had the cash envelope they drove happily to town. Rushing in the drug store Leslie grabbed toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, visine eye drops (for their irritated eyes) and deodorant oh yeah and super glue. At the counter they paid for their purchases and the store owner even offered to allow them the use of their bathroom to brush their teeth. Back on the street they began walking around. They spotted and in and out burger. Joel said "Leslie, we are on vacation, I could really go for an in and out 12x12 burger and a large soda to wash it down." Leslie said "I guess". So in they went Joel ordered the biggest hamburger he had ever eaten. And he finished it all! Only took 3 hours.
Later back at the house Joel didn't feel to well so he laid down for a nap. Leslie went down and played checkers and scrabble with some other guests. Pretty soon it was dinner time. Leslie went up and go Joel to wake up and tell him to come down for dinner. After dinner they began discussing how they were missing all their favorite shows. So they began acting out scenes from LOST and 24. Other people looked at them weird, but the strange looks increased when they asked them to pretend to be Simon, Paula and Randy, so they could pretend to be watching American idol. People just shook their heads and said that couple....they're from Redding.
Day 4 would have began like day 2 and 3 but Joel and Leslie were smart and had bought earplugs at the store the day before and they remembered to close the shades before going to bed. In they slept, through breakfast and past lunch. 2pm to be exact. The other couples were begun to worry, they wondered if they had to leave during the night or if they were just mocking another show. Finally when they came down stairs in the early afternoon, people just smiled knowingly as why they had been in bed all day. Those details I can not disclose as this is a G rated blog.
Soon after Joel headed down for another try at fishing, and Leslie began knitting booties and hats for Zack. Upon seeing the choice of colors that Leslie was knitting with another wife asked if she was expecting another baby. Leslie explained that no these were just packers colors and Joel liked them best. "oh" said the other wife although she had no idea what "packer's colors" meant.
Dinner was uneventful for once and Joel and Leslie retired early to begin packing up and put back together the broken lamp. Joel glued it back together and went to turn it on, but his finger was stuck to the switch. Leslie got some soap out and was able to help free him and the carefully set the lamp back down. Enjoying their last night of slumber with out a baby in the next room, they slept like babies but remeberd to set an alarm clock.
Day 5. 8 am. The alarm went off. They jumped out of bed and began picking up their stuff to go home. After a quick breakfast the started packing up the car. Only to find the toiletry bag in the trunk. oops. The drive home was fast and hit no major bumps, and they were able to reunite with Zack who was so happy to see his mom that he hugged her for 27 minutes straight, then took off his diaper and threw it at his dad.

Goodbye pink room!

Tim and I finally got around to painting the scary pink room. Now it is just normal!
Before.
After.

The biggest loser...

I can't believe that no one has blogged about this seasons biggest loser yet. Seriously who wants Joelle gone? And was anyone else totally mad when they voted off the red team instead of the silver team last week? GRR! I do feel bad for Carla her partner at home who is working hard to get herself in shape for when she gets to come back. Unfortunalty Joelle has burned bridges with almost all the other teams. I think they are just keeping her around because she is consitantly in the below the yellow line area.
The orange team of the two young boys is so sad. I am so glad that they have been kept in the game. I didn't like seeing the one at home eating fried chicken and at a buffet. But Ron's heartfelt speech before the first elimination where he said that the orange team needed to stay actually brought me to tears. His son is only one year different in age than those boys.
Tara on the green team (the former models) is one of the most competitive people I have seen on there. She puts her heart in every challange and goes for the win. I worry that her partner at home isn't going to put in the work and may pull her down.
Oh and I love that guy on the blue team. Filipe he cracks me up!

Cereal addicts, Zumba, Reno and a new toy.

Kara is into cereal right now. All she wants to eat is cearal for breakfast. And 3 bowls if I will let her. Jason has a yucky cough cold going on. Poor guy has had a hard time sleeping, but seams better today.

Ahh a new season of the Bridge Biggest Loser. Fun. I love the accountability that it provides. Knowing that Monday mornings I have to post my weight on the internet keeps me a little more in check. I was also happy that I had not gained anyback during the Christmas break. A major accomplishment for anyone who has ever done December at Cattlemens. Cookies, cake, coffees and candy are the standard for banquets.

So my friend from the gym texted me other day and said lets try this class beginning on Monday, Zumba. I thought OK, but don't laugh at my rhythm. Yesterday morning was the first class and it was lots of fun. I was so bad at the moves but who cares. And it was a good cardio workout. One hour burned over 600 calories, and that was even with sitting out a song (i twisted my ankle on the like third move). Tomorrow I go back to show off my moves again.

Tim and I are going to Reno at the beginning of February for a Montley Cure concert (I actually have no clue what they sing really) and it will be our first vacation away from the kids. I am nervous about leaving them for two nights with Tim's dad and step mom, (since we have never been away from them) but I think they will be fine and have tons of fun. I will probably be the one crying:) I am very excited for the vacation though! YAY!

I got this new Nike+Ipod thing. It plugs into your ipod then has a senor that goes on your shoe. When you run it tracks how far, how long and how fast. Then when you plug it into your computer it uploads to nike.com and you can see how you run. So cool. You can also put in goals and challenges. Right now Heather and I have a challange of first to 50 miles. Its so cool I love it!

Thats about all my thoughts right now. Thanks for listening to my ramblings...

The 5th M...

Music....how could I forget?
I need new work out music, any suggestions?

My four M's

1. Motivation. What motivated me. My Kids, my husband, my life. I didn't want to have health issues, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure all run in my family. And the biggest contributor to those are being overweight. So I thought about it and I wanted to be active for my kids, to be able to be a healthy example and be around to spend lots of time with my grand kids.
2. Mindset. I am a believer that you won't ever lose weight until you are ready. I tried to lose weight many many many times before. But I never cared enough to see it through. After a few days I would give up, but one day I decided that it was time and that was it, I was off and running (literally)
3. Momentum. Once I got started after a few weeks, I was feeling so much better. I never believed when people said that it gives you more energy, but now I know it does. And when people started noticing that just pushed me more.
4. Maintaining. The one I haven't gotten to. I maintain my workouts and am going to work to lose the rest of it. Then it will all be about keeping it up. I don't ever want to gain it back.
January 2008

November 2008.(its the latest picture I could find of myself)

a blessed year 2008....and my new resolutions.

-Tim and I bought a house.
-We also strengthened our relationship and its awesome!
-I finally accomplished a goal of losing weight, and hope to finish it by May. (and my 30th birthday)
-I have made new friends, and learned to appreciate good wine.
-Both my children now sleep all night long! and are waking up after 7am generally.
-I took up running which I love! I can't wait until October and the woman's marathon.
-We found the Bridge where we feel at home every week and people love us:) and Kara can't wait to go everyweek.
2008 It was great.(like my rhyme?)

My 2009 resolutions....
Have a cleaner car. (Jenn, didn't you say you had something that would help me get the chocolate milk off the roof upholstery?)
Have a great 30th birthday and achieve my goal by then
Run the half marathon in SF.
Think about a new job...
Take the kids to Disneyland.
Finish painting and repainting my house.
Finish my kids bathroom (Leslie this is your job to keep me on my toes for this)
Repay off all the credit cards we have used for home improvement stuff.
When those are done, try to talk Tim into a new car.
Start saving every month.
Pray more and worry less.

Thanks Joel!

I want to thank Joel for making the comment today in during his sermon "you know there are some kids that you just want to kill because they are brats but you can't because their parents are right there....." Which caused Tim and Brenda to look at me and laugh....
Thanks now I know your true feelings on my princess! I am not sure if Tim could feel my glare but.....